Though the United States is moving toward being a more secular nation, the tradition of Christmas is strong and shows little movement toward abatement.
And that’s a good thing. Recent trends have us questioning traditions and celebrations, yet Christmas is ubiquitous in our culture from its emphasis on shopping and sales, decorations, gatherings and religion. New celebrations are emerging as our culture and demographics shift, which adds texture to our society and joy to everyone. Yet Christmas is still the biggest of them all.
For those who do celebrate Christmas, its traditions vary according to family, friends and church and there are even variations within all of those groups. It can be a celebration solely dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger to a virgin mother to just a gathering among friends wearing corny sweaters. For those who do not celebrate Christmas, there are also traditions that develop from within those groups. Just as there is “Friendsgiving” there is “Festivus” and other non-traditional forms of gatherings and celebrations. And not celebrating at all is even a tradition for some.
Christmas is more than the celebration of Dec. 25. It is a winter celebration that runs through the core of our nation. And what seems to permeate the most is that of the Christmas spirit. For many, it is the season of giving, of togetherness, of selflessness, and of joy and cheer. The anticipation of the season and the preparation required adds stress to our lives, yet we willingly do it because of our traditions and that spirit. We give and receive gifts for the same reasons. For the religious, the Christmas spirit means striving to be like Jesus and to remember his teachings. For the non-religious, it can mean simply being the best version of ourselves and celebrating with loved ones until the new year.
It is also a time of giving. Not all families have as much as all of us, and we give to help others feel the joy we do. This is something to contemplate throughout the year. No matter how you celebrate, or don’t celebrate, we wish you a Merry Christmas and may the season’s spirit fill you and your family with joy now and into the new year. So have a big cup of egg nog and another candy cane or go see a movie by yourself, open a bunch of presents or hand a gift card to your neighbor, make a big family dinner or get tacos with friends. Or all of the above. Celebrate whichever way you choose, but be of good cheer — today and always.
(2) comments
In a secular country like Norway, “Christmas” is much more important than here, believe it, or not. However, it is called “Jul”, or Yuletide, more in line with the original pagan celebration, which was first banned by the Christians, then hijacked and given a religious twist, when they realized how popular the event was, celebrating the time when nature turned around towards warmer time again.
“Back there”, Jul is pretty much non-religious, involving all, as it should be. You can safely pass a stranger on the road, lift your hat and wish “God jul”, and get a nod and a smile back. Jul is a time for togetherness, with gifts and good food, for all, leaving no one out.
Above all else... a season of giving... for everyone. Two thousand years ago, the world received a gift. It was the most precious thing a father could ever give. He gave his son to serve others so they could be saved... a Christmas gift for everyone.
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.